How Do Dyes And Pigments Work?

Both dyes and pigments have fundamental differences between them. But their primary motive is to add colors to substance and improve its aesthetic appearance.

What Are Dyes?

The Ecological and Toxicological Association of Dyes and Organic Pigment Manufacturers (ETAD) defines dyes as fluorescent organic substances that provide color to a substance by selective light absorption. They can dissolve in water and can attach themselves to a fabric. The dye should be stable chemically so that it does not fade away when it is exposed to light or used with soap and water. Dye consists of compounds such as chromophore and auxochrome groups. The chromophore compound provides color to the dye, and the auxochrome compound assists in the dye fibre reaction. Dyes are mainly used for decoration, aesthetic satisfaction, identification, and more. Dyes start functioning once they are mixed in an aqueous solution. Dyes, also known as dyestuff, have multipurpose uses.

Different Types Of Dyes

Natural Dyes

Natural dyes are obtained from natural resources. Traditionally, natural dyes were the primary source of dyes. Nowadays, natural dyes are replaced by synthetic dyes. Synthetic dyes are dependable, affordable, and available in large quantities. We are still using natural dyes today hematoxylin, carmine, orcein.

Colors form an essential part of our lives. Colors are used in every aspect of our lives, including food and clothes. Items such as leather, cloth, food, housing, and several other things have been enhanced by men using colored dyes for ages. Some common dyes are still extracted from natural sources. They are known as natural dyes.

Synthetic Dyes

Synthetic dyes are extracted from organic or inorganic compounds. Some examples of synthetic dyes are Direct, Acid, Basic, reactive dye, Mordant, Metal complex, Vat, Sulphur, Disperse dye, etc. synthetic dyes have become more prevalent in recent times. Synthetic dyes are more affordable and are available in a variety of colors. Synthetic dyes provide a better color quality to fabrics than natural dyes.

Meaning Of Pigments

Pigments are powdered materials, insoluble in water, and enhance their appearance when added to any medium. In earlier times, men generally used organic pigments to paint their caves or enhance their goods. The most commonly used pigment, also known as the Pigment Green 7, comes under the heading name phthalocyanine dyes and is a copper(II) complex with chlorinated phthalocyanine. Pigment Green 7 is a soft green powder with a shiny, bright appearance. Pigment green 7 remains uninfluenced by alkali, heat, solvent, and acid ultraviolet radiation. Manufacturing units such as plastic, ink, and textile use pigment green 7 as their chief raw material source. Pigment Green 7 is derived from phthalocyanine blue through chlorination in the company of aluminum trichloride. To put it simply, pigments are a powered material that improves or enhances the look of a product through the scattering of light.

Different Types Of Pigments

Inorganic Pigment

Inorganic pigments are made of dry ground minerals. They do not comprise carbon chains and rings. Inorganic pigments are made of metals and metallic salts. Therefore they are not soluble in aqueous solution and are more non-transparent. Inorganic pigments are budget-friendly and are easy to manufacture. They are very profitable when produced in large quantities as simple chemical reactions are employed in manufacturing them. The most commonly used inorganic pigment is pigment green 7 also known as Phthalocyanine green.

Organic Pigment

Organic pigments comprise carbon chains and rings. The existence of carbon chains and rings makes organic pigments very stable. Traditionally, organic pigments were extracted from flora and fauna. Organic pigments are obtained from animals, vegetables, or synthetic organic chemistry. Modern organic pigments are made from synthetic organic chemistry, including aromatic hydrocarbons.

Pigment Green 7 Uses

Pigment Green 7 is the chief raw material in many industries, including ink, paints, plastic, rubber, and textile. In metal industries, pigment green 7 protects metals from rust and erosion. Dhanveen Pigments are one of the leading pigment green 7 manufacturer in India. Pigment Green 7 is also resistant to heat, light, and air. Thus, pigment green 7 does not lose its color and brightness when used to manufacture other products. Pigment Green 7 is also very light. Thus one can quickly shift it from one place to another. Pigment Green 7 is so stable that it is the most used and dependable pigment for industrial use. It is also straightforward to produce pigment green 7 in large quantities since easy chemical reactions are needed to produce this pigment.

Fundamental Differences In Pigments And Dyes

Solubility :

Pigments are insoluble in water, whereas dyes are more soluble in solvents.

Size Of The Particles:

The size of the particles in pigments is more prominent than in dyes. Since the size of the particles is large in pigments, it helps in the easy scattering of light. Therefore the scattering of light occurs more quickly in pigments than in dyes.

Resistant To Light:

Pigments are more resistant to light than dyes. Dyes are more prone to losing color, spark, and brightness when exposed to heat, light, and air. Pigments retain their brightness and aura even when exposed to very bright light.

Colors are an essential part of our personality. They represent our true selves. Colors provide aesthetic satisfaction and a sense of stability to us. Without colors, our life will be dull. When used to manufacture goods, pigments and dyes improve their aesthetic design and help increase its sale. Pigments are so lightweight that it does not add any weight to the product manufactured by its use. Pigments also help in resisting rust and corrosion. Thus, pigments and dyes not only add colors to a product but also have several other benefits. Using pigments and dyes in manufacturing goods and products also reduces the product's manufacturing cost. Increased revenue, increased sales, and lower cost of production, are just some of the benefits industry has when using pigments and dyes as their raw materials to produce goods and products.